This post brought to you by Purina. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Surf and Sunshine.
There is so much research that links to all the ways pets are good for kids. From teaching them responsibility to the linked health benefits, we compiled a list of reasons pets are good for kids, but it’s the last one that surprised us most.
5 Reasons Pets are Good For Kids
Pets Boost Self-Esteem
Did you know research shows that kids with family pets have higher self-esteem? Researchers believe it has something to do with the unconditional love pets offer and the constant friend to talk and play with.
It’s Good For Their Everyone’s Health
- Children with pets are less likely to develop common allergies and asthma.
- Playing with dogs is linked to lower blood pressure.
- Pet owners require fewer doctor’s visits.
- Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety.
Pets Encourage Nurturing
Not only does having a family pet create additional common bond among siblings, it also offer a way for kids to “parent play” pets and develop the ability to nurture. Believe it or not, the ability to nurture isn’t born with parenthood, it’s a trait that needs to be fostered over time.
Pets Teach Responsibility
Feeding and caring for a pet requires consistency and teaches kid a valuable lesson in responsibility. Plus, taking care of their pet through play and walks gets kids outside more and that comes with a whole other list of health benefits!
Pets Help With Childhood Literacy
Studies have shown that when children read to pets, their reading skills & confidence improve. For instance Dr. Mary Renck Jalongo, author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals, explains that research shows all children can benefit from the presence of a nonjudgmental pal with paws. In one study, children were asked to read in front of a peer, an adult, and a dog. Researchers monitored their stress levels, and found that kids were most relaxed around the animal, not the humans.
“If you’re struggling to read and someone says, ‘Time to pick up your book and work,’ that’s not a very attractive offer,” Dr. Jalongo says. “Curling up with a dog or cat, on the other hand, is a lot more appealing.”
During April, Purina is partnering with Dollar General to help achieve the goal of growing awareness of the importance of literacy. Which means Dollar General shoppers can save money plus give back through your purchases to do more with your dollar. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Choose from a variety of Purina products at your local Dollar General including:
Purina® Friskies® Dry and Wet Cat Food
Purina® Alpo® Dry Dog Food
Or Purina® Tidy Cats® Scoopable Litter - Save Money With Four Digital Coupons:
Save $1.00 on one (1) 12lb bag of Purina® Friskies® Dry Cat Food
Buy ANY five (5) 5.5oz cans of Purina® Friskies® Wet Cat Food and get one (1) can FREE (up to 50¢)
Save $1.00 on one (1) 14lb or larger bag of Purina® Alpo® Dry Dog Food
Save $1.00 on ANY one (1) package of Purina® Tidy Cats® Scoopable Litter - Feel good know that for each coupon redeemed from 4/5/2015 through 4/30/2015, Purina will donate $1 to the Dollar General Literacy foundation up to $20,000.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations and schools that help individuals learn to read, prepare for the high school equivalency test, or learn the English language. The contributions from the promotion will be used towards these grants.
Join @ModernDayMoms on 4/15 at 11AM EST for the #DoMore Twitter Party to discuss improving a child’s self-confidence in literacy by reading to their pets. You’ll have the chance to win great prizes including $100 worth of FREE Purina food and litter at Dollar General!
We would love to see you share photos of your kids reading to their pets.
Where were these when I was begging my parents for a pet as a child. These are sweet and very insightful, thanks for sharing.
I’ve always thought pets were a big part of the family. They help to teach responsibility, and more!
I think its great when kids have pets to help them learn to be responsible. These are all great reasons to have pets!
I agree with a lot of these. Pets don’t do well in our house though.
These are great benefits to having a pet. My daughter is only two, and she already gets to our dog’s crate before my husband or me to let him out in the mornings and calls one of us to open the door so he can go potty. She loves him so much. They play together, and my daughter like to color in her coloring book with our dog laying next to her. She also reads with him too. It’s the cutest thing to watch.